Lynn van Rooyen for those who are unaware is an ex-SANP employee mostly doing his duties as a ranger in Kruger. He was also the unfortunate man to shoot on of the magnificent 7 members, Kambaku, after a festering bullet wound anchored him eventually.

Good to see that some rangers are still involved in conservation , albeit that they would probably prefer to still be in KNP ?
Any news of people like Ted Witfield , Dave Chapman , and any others ?

KNP is sacred.I am opposed to the modernisation of Kruger and from the depths of my soul long for the Kruger of yesteryear! 1000+km on foot in KNP incl 56 wild trails.200+ nights in the wildernessndloti-indigenous name for serval.

The KRUGER pioneers had only good intentions towards their duty.Times were tough , they made many sacrifices , sometimes death followed disease but their dedication towards the cause never faltered.Should anyone really be interested in the KRUGER history my recommendation is :get the recently published "KRUGER NATIONAL PARK A HISTORY " a three volume set by Dr Salomon Joubert although pricey , it is worth every cent if it is one's interest ,available at the park shops or "NEEM UIT DIE VERLEDE " by Dr U de V Pienaar of which a reprint is now available.

I participate because I care - CUSTOS NATURAENo to Hotels in and commercialization of our National Parks.No to Legalized Rhino and Lion trade.Done 159 visits to National Parks.What a wonderful privilege.

There are pictures of the early Orpen Gate and early rangers hanging on the walls. I like to stop and think of what it must have been like in those early days, when all they had was a dream. The oppostition from hunters and farmers was extreme. Were it not for Stevenson-Hamilton's tenacity, Kruger would not be here.

I like to look at the picture of Eileen Orpan, a true benefactor and a woman of incredible generosity. It was the Orpan family's passion about conservation that gave the "kick start" to many of the early founders aspirations.

I admire people who dream and who try against all odds to make that a reality. The early founders were such people.

The bird doesn't sing because it has answers, it sings because it has a song.

A special Lifetime Contribution Award was presented to 79-year-old Sergeant Charlie Nkuna who spent 41 years as an employee at the Kruger National Park and still continued for 3 years after his retirement to serve as a research assistant at the Scientific Services section. “Baba Charlie”, who was involved in many key projects including the apprehension of poachers during his uninterrupted service at KNP, received this honour to a rousing standing ovation.

This son of Ranger Merriman Nkuna, patrolled the Pretoriuskop area with Ranger Henry Wolhuter, together with Helfas Mangane as well as Helfas Nkuna, during Wolhuters duty in the area between 1950 and 1959, and thereafter with many other Rangers. The trio mentioned were indeed the nemesis of many poachers.

This remarkable man is very well informed about the history of the Kruger National Park. It is him who indicated the grave of Chief Mataffin who had been murdered by the Swazis in 1890s, on 12 November 1985 on the western bank of the Imagoroti Creek.

The Nkuna family were for many generations involved in the Conservation of our heritage. There are 12 names recorded with the 'NKUNA"surname as Rangers who served with honour in this noble task.

Sergeant Charlie Mokoena I salute you.

How I would love to talk to you and record some of your knowledge.

Your tracks and your legacy will remain in the Kruger Park forever.

I participate because I care - CUSTOS NATURAENo to Hotels in and commercialization of our National Parks.No to Legalized Rhino and Lion trade.Done 159 visits to National Parks.What a wonderful privilege.

These veterans will be missed - I understand that the eductional requirement to be appointed is matric , now todays candidates who have grown up in the settlements and towns have relatively little bush experience and historical knowledge , a lot of info will be lost due to the passage of time and modernisation of their lifestyle .

KNP is sacred.I am opposed to the modernisation of Kruger and from the depths of my soul long for the Kruger of yesteryear! 1000+km on foot in KNP incl 56 wild trails.200+ nights in the wildernessndloti-indigenous name for serval.

Having worked in the Kruger myself, as did my wife, we often wondered what happened to the 80's and 90's staff. The legends that books were written about - where are they now and what are they doing now.

And their children - how many of them are today employed in Kruger, carrying on the tradition and creating their own and new legends?

Sollie Joubert was working as ecological consultant to a private ranch in Zimbabwe and living in Naboomspruit. He was external examinor on my MSc. His son Dusty works at the same ranch. I'll send you a PM with the ranches contact details, they will be able to give you Dr Joubert's contact details.